Top CVT Car Brands You Should Know

The automotive world has seen a significant shift towards Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT), celebrated for their smooth driving experience and fuel efficiency. Many top car manufacturers have embraced this technology, producing outstanding vehicles that demonstrate the potential of CVT systems. Brands like Honda, Toyota, and Subaru lead the pack, offering models that deliver remarkable performance and reliability. Curious to find out which other brands excel in CVT technology? Discover more in the comprehensive list below.

Illustration of cvt

Best brands of cvt in 2025

Toyota

Toyota is a leading producer of continuous variable transmissions (CVTs), collectively holding over 15.5% of the market share in 2024 along with JATCO. The company's extensive expertise and strategic focus on fuel-efficient and hybrid vehicle technologies have driven its dominance. Toyota's hybrid models, which extensively utilize CVTs, capitalize on the transmission's ability to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. This emphasis has contributed significantly to the growth of the CVT market, particularly in the hybrid vehicle segment. Toyota's innovative use of CVTs has been a key factor in its success in the automotive industry. For more insights, check the market share report on continuous variable transmissions.

Honda

Honda is a prominent player in the continuous variable transmission (CVT) market, known for its innovative and high-performance CVT systems. The company's CVTs are widely used in various vehicle models, particularly in hybrid and fuel-efficient vehicles, contributing to the market's growth. In 2024, the global CVT market size was valued at around USD 22.3 billion, with Honda being one of the key contributors to this figure. Honda's CVT technology is recognized for its seamless gear transitions, enhancing fuel efficiency and optimizing engine performance. The company's market presence is significant, with major players like JATCO, Aisin AW, and Bosch also dominating the industry.

Subaru

Subaru is renowned as one of the leading producers of Continuous Variable Transmissions (CVTs), with a significant presence in the global market. In 2024, the global CVT market was valued at USD 22.3 billion, and Subaru's home country, Japan, is a global leader in CVT technology, with nearly 92% of all vehicles produced there equipped with CVTs. Subaru aims to have 50% of its global sales consist of battery electric vehicles by 2030, which includes models utilizing advanced CVT technology. The company's commitment to innovation and quality has made its CVTs a staple in hybrid and electric vehicle segments. Subaru's market share is particularly strong in Asia-Pacific, driven by the strong presence of automotive manufacturers in Japan, China, and South Korea. For more detailed information, visit the Subaru statistics page.

Nissan

Nissan, in collaboration with JATCO Ltd., is a leading producer of vehicles equipped with continuous variable transmissions (CVTs), with Nissan alone selling over 1 million cars globally that feature CVTs. In 2024, JATCO Ltd., a key supplier to Nissan, held a significant market share in the CVT industry, particularly renowned for its innovative CVT systems like the Xtronic CVT. Nissan's models, such as the Qashqai, have incorporated JATCO's CVT-X, which enhances environmental performance, drivability, and acceleration. The CVT technology has been instrumental in Nissan's strategy to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, especially in hybrid and electric vehicles. This partnership has contributed to the growth of the global CVT market, projected to reach USD 38.32 billion by 2033.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi, a renowned global automobile company, stands out as a significant producer of Continuous Variable Transmissions (CVTs), particularly notable for its integration in hybrid and electric vehicles. The company's CVT technology is highlighted in models like the all-new OUTLANDER, which features an 8-speed sport mode CVT for enhanced fuel efficiency and smooth driving experience. Mitsubishi's commitment to innovative technologies is evident in its brand strategy, "Drive your Ambition," which emphasizes continuous investment in new technologies and product development. With a strong presence in the Asian market, especially in Japan, Mitsubishi's CVTs are favored for their efficiency, with belt-drive CVTs achieving efficiencies of around 88%.

Hyundai

Hyundai, as part of the Hyundai Motor Group, has emerged as a significant player in the production of Continuous Variable Transmissions (CVTs), contributing to the global market growth. In 2023, the global CVT market was valued at USD 22.3 billion, with Asia Pacific, where Hyundai has a strong presence, holding the largest market share. Hyundai's integration of CVTs in their vehicles, particularly in hybrid and electric models, has enhanced fuel efficiency and performance, with belt-drive CVTs achieving efficiencies of around 88%. The company's focus on innovation, such as through its AI-based technologies, further supports the development of advanced transmission systems. Hyundai's market share and sales performance, such as breaking the 200,000-unit mark in the fourth quarter of 2023, underscore its commitment to quality and efficiency.

Kia

Kia, although not primarily known as a leading producer of Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) systems, benefits from its association with Hyundai, which has invested significantly in transmission technology. However, Kia's vehicles often utilize CVTs, particularly in models where fuel efficiency and smooth acceleration are prioritized. For instance, CVTs are common in compact and hybrid vehicles, where they offer advantages such as jerk-free gear shifts and low maintenance. In 2018, CVTs accounted for 16% of the global automatic transmission market, with Japanese technology dominating this segment. While Kia does not produce CVTs independently, its partnership with Hyundai ensures access to advanced transmission technologies. For more insights into Kia's history and innovations, visit Kia’s historical overview.

Audi

Audi, while not specifically highlighted as a leading producer of Continuous Variable Transmissions (CVTs), has been focusing on enhancing vehicle efficiency and performance, particularly through its electric and hybrid vehicle production. In 2022, Audi increased its production of fully electric vehicles by 44.3% to 118,196 units, and its New Energy Vehicle (NEV) share reached 11.8%. However, the primary drive for CVT demand comes from the broader automotive industry's shift towards low-emission vehicles, with CVTs optimizing engine performance and fuel efficiency. Audi's strong performance in electric vehicle sales, such as a 51% increase in fully electric vehicle deliveries in 2023 to 178,000 units, indicates their commitment to innovative drive systems. Despite this, Audi's specific involvement in CVT production is not prominently featured in recent reports. For more details, you can explore the Audi Quarterly Update for Q4 2022.

Ford

Ford is a prominent player in the automotive industry, particularly in the production of vehicles equipped with Continuous Variable Transmissions (CVTs). The company's Freedom of Choice vehicle lineup includes a range of gas, hybrid, and electric models, such as the 2024 F-150 with gas, PowerBoost Hybrid, and electric options, catering to diverse customer needs. Ford's integration of CVTs, especially in hybrid models, enhances vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, aligning with the industry's shift towards low-emission vehicles. The global CVT market, which Ford contributes to, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2025 to 2033, reaching USD 38.32 billion by 2033. Ford's commitment to innovation and customer choice positions it as a leader in the CVT-equipped vehicle market.

Infiniti

Infiniti, as the premium brand of Nissan, has made significant strides in utilizing Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVT) in their vehicles, particularly with their advanced Xtronic CVT transmission. This system, featured in models like the Infiniti QX55, uses "shift by wire" technology and paddle shifters to enhance driving experience. In 2018, CVT transmissions, such as those used by Infiniti, accounted for 16% of the global market share for automatic transmissions in passenger cars. Infiniti's CVT transmissions are known for smooth, seamless power delivery and excellent fuel economy, making them a desirable choice in the compact and luxury segments. Despite facing competition from other transmission technologies, Infiniti's CVT transmissions remain popular, especially in regions like Japan and the US. For more insights on Infiniti's market performance, visit their US sales figures page.